Donald Frederick Drusch age 92, of Howard Lake was called to his eternal rest on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
Don was born on August 16, 1932 in Montrose to Frederick and Katherine (Gloege) Drusch. He was baptized and confirmed in the faith at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. After graduating from Buffalo High School, Don served a two-year enlistment in Germany as a member of the United States Army.
Don married Arlene Kraft in 1956 and they were blessed with four children. Five short years later, life took a terrible turn when he lost an infant son and then his wife in death, within a two-year span.
In 1963, Don married Darlene Smith. Being blessed with three children between them, they were married for 16 years and together raised six children. Don worked hard to support his family having been employed at Dahlberg Lumber, Judd Distributing (Wausau Homes), and Donnie’s OK Hardware.
Don’s family grew again when he married Ruby Schmieg in 1980 gaining 3 additional step-children and their families. Together Don and Ruby owned Donnie’s OK Hardware, enjoyed time up north at their cabin, weekly dinner at the Legion with friends, and hosted many holidays and celebrations with their big family.
Don’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, tending to his beautiful flower gardens, playing Cribbage and many, many games of Dominoes, even just months before his death.
He is survived by his children: Steve Drusch of Stacy, Connie (Bob) Svendsen of Champlin, Joe (Karen) Drusch of Howard Lake, Debbie (Michael) Vialpando of Colorado Springs, Danny Drusch of Park Rapids, Donna (Steve) Gatz of Howard Lake, Barry & Teresa Schmieg of Howard Lake, Vickie Schultz of Mayer and Scott Schmieg of Eden Prairie. 24 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren, plus two more on the way, and sister, Elaine (Larry) Heyer.
Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, October 21, 2024 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN. Visitation to be held one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials are preferred to: Howard Lake Legion Veteran’s Memorial.
Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cokato and Howard Lake, Minnesota. www.swansonpeterson.com